Msgr. Paul V. Garrity Norman Lear, who just died at the age of 101, was a modern-day prophet because he called out some of the great ills of our day. He was a writer, a producer, and a director of situation comedies that were subtle reminders that there are evils in our world that need to be exposed. “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Maude,” and “Sanford and Sons” … [Read more...] about Msgr. Garrity: The season of light
Christmas
Christmas is the world’s festival, its happy place
Llewellyn King I am an oddball. I like to work on Christmas. I don’t know how it is now, but when I was younger and worked for newspapers, variously in Africa, Britain, and the United States, I always volunteered to work over the holiday and loved it. There was a special Christmas camaraderie, often more than a little nipping at the eggnog, and the joy to know that … [Read more...] about Christmas is the world’s festival, its happy place
FROM THE DEEP END: Holiday wants and holiday needs
“You can’t always get what you want, But if you try sometime, well you might find, You get what you need”— Mick Jagger/Keith Richards Since it's the holiday season, a lot of lists are out there. No, not the naughty or nice list; that's Santa's job. There are to-do lists, grocery lists, and, of course, wish lists. Whether we send the lists to St. Nick or family and … [Read more...] about FROM THE DEEP END: Holiday wants and holiday needs
Dr. Bill Thierfelder will give talk on the history of winter holidays
Abbot Public Library will host an online presentation led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, who will explore the fascinating history behind the winter solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa – four holidays that untold numbers of people celebrate every year – on Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Please register in advance for this meeting at tinyurl.com/Holidays-Unwrapped. After registering, … [Read more...] about Dr. Bill Thierfelder will give talk on the history of winter holidays
FROM THE DEEP END: A merry little Christmas
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.” — Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane Is there such a thing as a “little Christmas?” Can you be a Christmas minimalist while still decorating, shopping, baking, and going to parties and events? Growing up, my family was solidly middle class. We had enough to get by, with some room for occasional extras. I … [Read more...] about FROM THE DEEP END: A merry little Christmas